Steering wheels are an integral part of modern vehicles. They used to be almost exclusively round, but now we see some squarish steering wheels with flat bottoms. Flat-bottom steering wheels are often found in sporty supercars and luxury vehicles. These wheels appear like any other steering wheel, except their bottom is flat rather than curved. What purpose does this flat steering wheel bottom serve? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the benefits of flat-bottom steering wheels and the different cars that have them as part of their kit.
Benefits of Flat-Bottom Steering Wheels
Flat-bottom steering wheels provide a number of benefits. Some of these benefits might be a little niche, however. For instance, more leg room will benefit taller drivers, but won’t do much for shorter ones. As we go over these flat-bottom steering wheel benefits, try to gauge if this type of steering wheel will suit your particular driving needs.
More Legroom
A flat-bottom steering wheel saves on space by cutting off the curve at the bottom of the wheel. This allows for more legroom in the driver’s seat, making stretching during long drives easier. Increased legroom adds a lot of comfort on long drives, especially for taller drivers.
Better Driving Position
A flat-bottom steering wheel allows you to keep your legs closer to the dashboard, which allows for a more natural and improved driving position.
Sporty Appearance
Flat-bottom steering wheels give a vehicle’s interior a more sporty look and feel.
Enhanced Performance
The flat-bottom design provides better grip and control, which are especially important when driving at high speeds and rounding tight corners. The notches at 5 and 7 o’clock position provide better ergonomics and thus more comfort and enhanced performance.
Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel Cars
Flat-bottom steering wheels are most often found in sporty vehicles focused on performance and luxury. Let’s take a look at some of the models that have sported this steering wheel design.
2010 Ferrari 458 Italia
The flat-bottom steering wheel on the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia also housed a number of essential controls for this high-speed powerhouse of a car. Main commands like the engine push-start, headlights, and indicators were all integrated into the wheel.
2020 Audi R8
The 2020 Audi R8’s flat-bottom steering wheel also housed a number of different controls. Audi packed the wheel with buttons for the futuristic supercar’s many features. A call accept button and drive select button are just two of the controls found on this wheel.
2023 BMW 760i xDrive
The flat-bottom steering wheel in the luxurious 2023 BMW 760i xDrive leans less towards sporty and more toward classy. It’s wrapped in sleek leather and its spokes are accented with shiny silver trim. It suits the laid-back interiors while still hinting at the vehicle’s powerful engine under the hood.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sporty hatchback with a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel to match. Its black interiors have red accents running across its different components, from the checkered pattern on the seats, to the gearshift, and yes, even to the steering wheel.
A flat steering wheel bottom might seem a little strange at first glance, but it does have its advantages.
2024 Tesla Model 3
Many Tesla models have flat-bottom steering wheels, including the 2024 Tesla Model 3. This Tesla has many futuristic features such as predictive shifting, haptic feedback controls, and much more. Its flat-bottom steering wheel houses the turn signal and headlight buttons.
Where to Get a Steering Wheel for Your Vehicle
There are a lot of benefits that come with driving a vehicle that has flat-bottom steering wheels. If you want to enjoy them, CarParts.com can help you out.
Choose from a wide array of high-quality steering wheels designed for your ride. Use our vehicle selector to check out compatible products, then use the search filters to find the ones that fit your needs. Our selection includes accurate and detailed fitment information, but if you have questions, our customer service team is always available via our toll-free hotline.
Every item in our catalog is vetted by a team of professionals. This means you won’t have to worry about your new steering wheel failing you any time soon. It’s also worth mentioning that our warehouses are strategically located across the US, meaning you can receive your order within a matter of days.
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